Stayers' Hurdle hero Paisley Park primed to extend winning record

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Magic Of Light (IRE)
Eight-year-old mare
12U72-3
Jessica Harrington
Racing Post Rating 162c

Ran a mighty race to finish second behind Tiger Roll in last season’s Grand National, staying on really strongly; had been lucky to get away with some serious errors and stiffer fences would have caught her out; biggest win last season came over hurdles in a Grade 2 mares’.

Verdict: versatile under both codes

Magic Saint (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
510F2-5
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 152c

French recruit who made a big impression when dropped in trip last season to win well at Wincanton; sent off favourite for the Grand Annual after that but well held; had breathing operation in summer and made satisfactory return over trip and ground that would have stretched his stamina in BetVictor Gold Cup (2m4f); of major interest back over shorter.

Verdict: win decent pot over 2m

Malaya (FR)
Five-year-old mare
F410-36
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 124c

Plagued by jumping issues last season but did well to overcome a serious blunder two out when winning the Imperial Cup at Sandown; has taken well to fences judged on promising third to Rouge Vif in quite well-contested novice event at Market Rasen in October.

Verdict: progress with experience over fences

Master Tommytucker

Eight-year-old gelding
11/F-1
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 143h

Big things over fences expected this time last year but he suffered a knee injury when falling on his Chepstow debut and has been sidelined. Has made full recovery and narrowly won beginners' chase (2m2f) at Kempton after 408 days absence; remains bright prospect for more novice chase success.

Verdict: Talented, may make up for lost time

McFabulous (IRE)
Five-year-old gelding
1711-2
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 118h

Won three out of four bumpers last season, signing off with a Grade 2 win at Aintree; had long been held in high regard and easily forgiven sole defeat at Cheltenham having returned with sore shins; beaten odds-on favourite on Chepstow hurdling debut and will need to jump more fluently in order to progress.

Verdict: should reach decent level over hurdles

Melon
Seven-year-old gelding
42F-702
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 153c

Runner-up in the last two editions of the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham but didn’t beat a single rival on final two outings over hurdles; showed high-class form on chasing debut when attempting to concede 8lb to impressive Fakir D’Oudairies in beginners’ chase at Navan in November.

Verdict: has a future over fences

Melon: runner-up in the last two editions of the Champion HurdleCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Mengli Khan (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
334-944
Gordon Elliott
Racing Post Rating 155c

Slightly disappointing for much of last season, failing to build on impressive chase debut win, but did better when stepped up in trip, finishing third in 2m4f Grade 1 novices at Cheltenham and Aintree; ninth on handicap debut in the Galway Plate this summer but ran poorly at Down Royal on latest start.

Verdict: missing out at top level

Mercian Prince (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
1801-P5
Amy Murphy
Racing Post Rating 155c

Progressive handicap chaser who has won twice in each of the last three seasons, most recently at Kempton and Perth last term when dominating small fields from the front; well beaten in the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury and the Topham at Aintree in between.

Verdict: exposed but not badly treated

Mick Jazz (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
1/35133/
Gordon Elliott
Racing Post Rating 160h

Much improved two seasons ago and ran a huge race to finish third in the Champion Hurdle behind Buveur D’Air, proving earlier Grade 1 win at Leopardstown was no fluke; missed last season through injury.

Verdict: dark, smart hurdler at best

Midnight Run (IRE)
Five-year-old gelding
121-1
Joseph O’Brien (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 132b

Very smart bumper performer, holds the distinction of being one of the few horses to have bustled up the brilliant Envoi Allen, albeit briefly in a Navan bumper in December (beaten nearly five lengths in the end); missed spring festivals due to small setback; made fine start to hurdling career when comfortably winning Cork maiden in November.

Verdict: sure to win more novice hurdles

Midnight Shadow
Six-year-old gelding
110-3F2
Sue Smith
Racing Post Rating 144c

Former very useful hurdler (won Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham last season); in need of run when showing lot of promise in hotly contested beginners’ chase at Carlisle (2m) in October; would have won valuable graduation chase at same track following month but for departing at the last; consolation awaits if none the worse for heavy fall.

Verdict: successful career awaits over fences

Might Bite (IRE)
Ten-year-old gelding
121/57P-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 173c

Brilliant staying chaser at his peak; won the RSA Chase in memorable circumstances in 2017 before adding the King George and Betway Bowl two seasons ago; nowhere near that level last season and wind surgery no help when pulled up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Verdict: looks on downgrade now

Min (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
4/1151-2
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 180c

Won three times at Grade 1 level last season, most impressively when making all the running to win the Melling Chase at Aintree by 20 lengths; had disappointed when ridden with more restraint in the Champion Chase (third successive defeat at Cheltenham, all behind Altior).

Verdict: brilliant and consistent chaser

Minella Indo (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
3/321-12
Henry de Bromhead
Racing Post Rating 156h

Came from nowhere to emerge as last season’s top staying novice hurdler, winning the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham at 50-1 and following up at Punchestown despite still being fourth best in the market; outpaced by Laurina in respectable novice chasing debut at Gowran in November.

Verdict: improver, not underestimate over fences

Missed Approach (IRE)
9yo gelding
6321P/6-
Warren Greatrex
Racing Post Rating 149c

Back from injury after missing a year; had won the 2018 Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival, building on a terrific run at the meeting 12 months earlier when second to Tiger Roll in the National Hunt Chase; largely disappointing in between but benefited from wind surgery just prior to Cheltenham.

Verdict: could win long-distance chase

Mister Blue Sky (IRE)
Five-year-old gelding
121-33
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 142h

Bought off the Flat for 130,000gns as a four-time winner for Sylvester Kirk and made an instant impression over hurdles when winning well at Wexford; progressed to land a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Fairyhouse before a fair third behind Klassical Dream at Punchestown. Finished very tired on return from break in Fairyhouse conditions’ event in November.

Verdict: progressive hurdler, more to come

Mister Fisher (IRE)
Five-year-old gelding
2118-72
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 144h

Won novice hurdles at Kempton and Haydock last season, claiming good scalps in Rouge Vif and Bright Forecast (both Grade 1-placed); perhaps unsuited by more undulating track when eighth in the Supreme; only seventh when favourite for the Swinton on handicap debut; made decent chasing debut when second at Warwick in November.

Verdict: better than shown so far

Mister Malarky
Six-year-old gelding
31142-0
Colin Tizzard
Racing Post Rating 154c

Developed into a smart novice chaser last season; won the Reynoldstown at Ascot and finished best of the rest behind three potential superstars when fourth in the RSA at Cheltenham; looked to progress again when second behind Kildisart in a good handicap at Aintree. Poor return at Ascot in November.

Verdict: competitive in staying handicaps

Mister Whitaker (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
1/144P1-
Mick Channon
Racing Post Rating 156c

Sharply progressive novice chaser two seasons ago, winning the novice handicap at the Cheltenham Festival; didn’t quite go on last season but sharpened up by first-time cheekpieces when landing another big win at Cheltenham in the Silver Trophy in April.

Verdict: good record round Cheltenham

Mister Whitaker: goes very well at CheltenhamCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Five-year-old mare
2117-2
Harry Fry
Racing Post Rating 111h

Well-bred mare from a good family; stepped up markedly on first two efforts in bumpers when winning Listed Mares’ Final at Sandown; considered over the top when below that form in Grade 2 at Aintree; jumping lacked fluency on hurdling debut in mares’ novice at Market Rasen in October but sure to improve.

Verdict: should win mares’ novice hurdles

Mohaayed
Seven-year-old gelding
479-509
Dan Skelton
Racing Post Rating 151h

Has won big handicap hurdles in each of the last two seasons, adding the Betfair Exchange Trophy at Ascot last term to his 2018 County Hurdle victory; well beaten at Haydock in Grade 2 company and subsequently well held back in handicaps.

Verdict: needs respite from handicapper

Molly The Dolly (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
2/1131-F
Dan Skelton
Racing Post Rating 152c

Progressive novice chaser on a sound surface last season, winning three times; suffered sole defeat on soft in a Listed mares’ chase (0-6 under rules on soft or heavy) before returning from a break on good ground to win a valuable novice handicap at Ayr in April.

Verdict: strike again on sharp, flat track

Momella (IRE)
Seven-year-old mare
3/FP9-P2
Harry Fry
Racing Post Rating 140h

Very smart novice hurdler two seasons ago for Dan Skelton, winning three times and finishing third in a Grade 1 at Aintree; running a big race when fell first time out last season but below par since, including when ninth in the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and on chasing debut; better at Huntingdon on most recent start.

Verdict: struggling to recapture best form

Monalee (IRE)
8yo gelding
3214-P3
Henry de Bromhead
Racing Post Rating 167c

Has shown high-class form in defeat since beating Al Boum Photo in a Grade 1 novice chase in February 2018, taking Grade 1 record to 1-9 and landing only a small-field Grade 2 in that time; yet to win beyond 2m5f over fences but looked short of pace when fourth in the Ryanair Chase; remains a horse without an optimum trip.

Verdict: misses out at top level

Monsieur Lecoq (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
1120-13
Jane Williams
Racing Post Rating 143h

Sharply progressive novice hurdler last season, who posted career-best effort on return when winning well-contested Welsh Champion Hurdle (Listed handicap) at Ffos Las in October. Considering he pulled too hard for much of the race, ran a blinder when close third in Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham in November.

Verdict: improving hurdler on upward curve

Mont Des Avaloirs (FR)
Six-year-old gelding
2307P-4
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 145h

Useful novice hurdler two seasons ago and beaten just half a length in last season’s Gerry Feilden at Newbury; disappointing when single-figure prices for three other big 2m handicaps, including the Betfair Hurdle; 4th to Champ back over fences on Newbury (2m4f) return.

Verdict: taking time to mature

Moon Over Germany (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
41-4132
Henry de Bromhead
Racing Post Rating 154c

Has proved a revelation on soft ground, running away with a fiercely competitive handicap chase at Aintree in April and landing a Ballinrobe conditions chase in August; below that form in valuable Punchestown handicap in May and Tipperary Grade 3 novice in October (2m4f may have stretched him); confirmed he’s still going the right way when chasing home classy stablemate Notebook back over 2m in Grade 2 at Punchestown.

Verdict: going the right way over fences

Mortal (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
6/1265-5
Joseph O’Brien
Racing Post Rating 152c

Failed to win over hurdles but proved a much better chaser last season, running a cracker when second to Delta Work over Christmas (odds-on in running before a mistake at the last); below that level subsequently but far from disgraced when fifth in the RSA.

Verdict: weighted to win handicaps

Movewiththetimes (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
F8-F195
Enda Bolger
Racing Post Rating 145c

Looked a top-class prospect when finishing second in the Betfair Hurdle as a novice in 2017 but failed to win in two seasons over fences for Paul Nicholls; off the mark as a chaser in Killarney beginners’ event this summer following switch to Enda Bolger but below that form in two runs since.

Verdict: overall profile becoming disappointing

Moyhenna (IRE)
Seven-year-old mare
22FU1-1
Denis Hogan
Racing Post Rating 143c

Progressive chaser in mares’ races last season; hacked up in a Grade 2 novice at Limerick on heavy ground by 25 lengths and followed up in a handicap at Punchestown; drying conditions not considered ideal that day and could have more to come back on softer ground.

Verdict: confidence on a high now

Mr Adjudicator
Five-year-old gelding
28P-171
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 156h

Lightly raced last season but bounced back to form with a golden summer, winning big hurdle races at Punchestown and Auteuil before flourishing on the Flat; equally capable on winter ground, as he showed as a top juvenile two seasons ago (second in the Triumph).

Verdict: big improver Flat and jumps

Mr Grey Sky (IRE)
Five-year-old gelding
11-3
Kim Bailey
Racing Post Rating 127b

Shaped with a lot of promise when winning two Haydock bumpers last December, looking as if he would cope with a step up in grade, but wasn’t seen out again. Respectable third at Ascot on novice hurdling debut and well regarded by connections.

Verdict: useful recruit to hurdling

My Old Gold (IRE)
Nine-year-old mare
51221-4
Nicky Richards
Racing Post Rating 144c

Lightly raced for her age and did well in her first season over fences last term, finishing with a smooth victory in a Listed mares’ chase at Perth; trainer expects her to stay beyond 3m and sees her one for big staying handicap chases.

Verdict: on good mark for handicaps

My Sister Sarah (IRE)
Five-year-old mare
2106-12
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 137h

Won three of first four races last season and later got back to winning ways at Punchestown; small filly who had been intimidated at Cheltenham and Fairyhouse according to her trainer but notable she was the pick of Ruby Walsh among trainer’s seven in mares’ novice at Cheltenham. No match for stablemate Elfile in mares' hurdle at Thurles (2m) in November.

Verdict: may lack scope to progress

Nadaitak
Five-year-old gelding
412109-
Ben Pauling
Racing Post Rating 145h

Thorough stayer who ran away with a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Doncaster last season by 22 lengths, though perhaps flattered as his only three rivals all ran below par; pulled up in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham and little better on his handicap debut at Aintree.

Verdict: vulnerable to rivals’ turn of foot

Native River (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
3/11/234-
Colin Tizzard
Racing Post Rating 177c
Gutsy winner of a thrilling Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2018 but not quite at the same level last season; unsuited by the sharp track when staying on for a remote third in the King George; unable to dominate in the Gold Cup after a slow start before staying on for fourth.

Verdict: needs greater stamina test now

Native River: gutsy winner of a the Gold Cup in 2018Credit: Michael Steele (Getty Images)

Newtide (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
41341-1
Kim Bailey
Racing Post Rating 141c

Progressive novice hurdler last season and looks destined for successful career over fences judged by comfortable success on chasing debut in three-runner novice event at Ffos Las in November (2-2 at the track); capable of holding his own in better company.

Verdict: win more staying novice chases

No Comment
Eight-year-old gelding
2/36/55-3
Philip Hobbs
Racing Post Rating 144c

Lightly raced, former quite useful staying handicap hurdler; still a maiden over fences after five attempts, but useful bits of form, namely when fifth in Kim Muir at Cheltenham last season; promising return in Hereford handicap chase in November and should win a race over fences.

Verdict: last won January 2017

Not Another Muddle
Eight-year-old gelding
11/3152-
Gary Moore
Racing Post Rating 145c

Missed more than a year after winning first two chases two seasons ago but soon resumed progress when returning towards the end of last season; won at Sandown on second run back and did well to finish fifth in the Grand Annual after making several mistakes.

Verdict: should win a 2m handicap

Notebook (GER)
Six-year-old gelding
120-211
Henry de Bromhead
Racing Post Rating 152c

Has looked a complete natural over fences when winning twice at Punchestown, a beginners’ chase in October and a Grade 2 the following month; attacks his obstacles with great enthusiasm and sure to go on to better things when further upped in class.

Verdict: set for good first season over fences

Not Many Left (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
Jessica Harrington
2/4132-F
Racing Post Rating 153h

Progressive staying hurdler last season; slightly unlucky when third in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham (hit the front too soon) having won a qualifier at Huntingdon; held his own when stepped up in grade and would have been placed at Punchestown but for falling at the last.

Verdict: more improvement on the cards

Not That Fuisse (FR)
Six-year-old gelding
14F-224
Dan Skelton
Racing Post Rating 144c

Has quickly established himself as a much better chaser than he was a hurdler; runner-up first two starts over fences, notably behind Al Dancer in hot novice event at Cheltenham in October, but struggled against some smart rivals at Warwick last time.

Verdict: type to progress over fences

Now McGinty (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
U2128-2
Stuart Edmunds
Racing Post Rating 147c

Showed smart form in staying novice chases last season; possibly touch flattered to get so close to Santini on Sandown return but it was still a career-best. Had won a red-hot contest at Chepstow in January (next three all won next time) and pushed Mister Malarky close when second in the Reynoldstown; far from disgraced when eighth in RSA at Cheltenham.

Verdict: win decent staying handicap chase

Off You Go (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
18123-8
Charles Byrnes
Racing Post Rating 155h

Lightly raced but sharply progressive in handicaps over the last two seasons, winning a second Ladbrokes Hurdle at Leopardstown in February off a 20lb higher mark than when successful in 2018; second and third at Grade 2 level subsequently; never a threat in hot beginners’ chase at Navan on fencing debut in November.

Verdict: up to winning Grade 2 hurdle

Ok Corral (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
125/11P-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 156c

Finished second in the Albert Bartlett in 2018 and not far off that level when novice chasing last term; disappointed in the National Hunt Chase (preparation interrupted by flu jab) but had easily won a hot Listed novice chase at Warwick to go off just 4-1 for that race; very lightly raced for his age.

Verdict: big future in staying handicaps

Old Guard
Eight-year-old gelding
232634-
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 159h

Four-time winner in Graded/Listed company over hurdles and continued to run well at that level last season, finishing second in the Ascot Hurdle and West Yorkshire Hurdle; most effective at around 2m4f and yet to fully convince with his stamina over further.

Verdict: losing sequence, hard to place

One For Arthur (IRE)
Ten-year-old gelding
11/UU6-4
Lucinda Russell
Racing Post Rating 160c

Impressive winner of the Grand National in 2017, crowning a hugely progressive season; missed the following campaign through injury and twice unseated on his comeback last term but showed plenty of his old spark when sixth back at Aintree for the National.

Verdict: not the force of old

One For Rosie
Six-year-old gelding
1/13123-
Nigel Twiston-Davies
Racing Post Rating 145h

Won two of first three over hurdles last season before a fine second under top weight in the EBF Final at Sandown; beaten less than six lengths behind Reserve Tank when moved up to Grade 1 level at Aintree; trainer expects improvement when stepped up in trip.

Verdict: do well staying novice chases

On The Blind Side (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
6/41P2-4
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 151 chase

Looked a potential star when winning two Grade 2 novice hurdles in late 2017 but has had little go right since; did well to beat bet365 Gold Cup winner Talkischeap when off the mark over fences at Kempton last season but was never travelling when pulled up in the RSA. Promising signs of revival on Ascot return.

Verdict: needs to get confidence back

O O Seven (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
1908-15
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 156 chase

Classy handicap chaser who bounced back to form when winning at Punchestown in May after breaking blood vessels in the Topham; had also won over 3m at Doncaster but didn’t seem to stay the trip on soft ground after running well for a long way in the Ultima at Cheltenham; fifth on Newbury return (2m4f)

Verdict: life tougher off stiff mark

Ornua (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
122F1-P2
Henry de Bromhead
Racing Post Rating 159c

Front-running chaser who won four times in a busy novice campaign last season, most notably in a Grade 1 at Aintree; likely that will prove a weak race for the grade (runner-up Us And Them beaten much further in other top chases); came up against talented Cilaos Emery on return from break (Naas Grade 3); type to do well in small-field Graded races.

Verdict: capable at Grade 2 level

Pacify
Seven-year-old gelding
111112
Jamie Snowden
Racing Post Rating 143h

Smart handicapper on the Flat who has taken very well to hurdling, winning first four maiden/novice events over the summer before coping with steep rise in class in Kempton Listed event in October; suffered first defeat in Grade 2 event at Cheltenham in November, but far from disgraced giving 5lb to the winner.

Verdict: very useful recruit to hurdling

Pairofbrowneyes (IRE)
Ten-year-old gelding
1F/001F-
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 158c

Has won last two editions of the Leinster National only to then fall early on when well fancied for Irish Grand National both times; much improved and lightly raced since moving to Willie Mullins in early 2018 and could have another big handicap chase in him.

Verdict: talented, inconsistency a drawback

Paisley Park (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
11111-1
Emma Lavelle
Racing Post Rating 172h

Came from nowhere to emerge as last season’s dominant staying hurdler, winning five out of five; scrambled home in Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot before taking form to a new level in two runs at Cheltenham, including when a decisive winner of Stayers’ Hurdle; took winning run to six when landing Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury (3m) on return in November.

Verdict: huge player in staying hurdles

Paloma Blue (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
0/416-62
Henry de Bromhead
Racing Post Rating 150h

High-class novice hurdler (beaten only three lengths in the Supreme in 2018) but didn’t quite make the grade over fences last season; impressive when beating subsequent Aintree winner Moon Over Germany but finished a well-beaten sixth in Racing Post Arkle.

Verdict: yet to fully convince over fences

Papagana
Six-year-old mare
41431-1
Oliver Sherwood
Racing Post Rating 136h

Progressive form in her first season over hurdles, her best effort coming when stepped up to just beyond 3m for the first time in Doncaster mares’ Listed event (good ground but she’s much better suited to soft); stays hurdling and won Kempton listed event (3m) on her return.

Verdict: can win more mares’ contests at modest level

Papa Tango Charly (FR)
Four-year-old gelding
1-72
Jonjo O’Neill
Racing Post Rating 97b

Caused a stir when changing hands for £440,000 after winning well-contested Irish maiden point-to-point in March; not suited by very slow pace on Worcester bumper debut in October (race could throw up several future winners); decent second in Ascot maiden hurdle on return; looks a staying type.

Verdict: bumpers not play to his strengths

Penhill
Eight-year-old gelding
4112/12/
Willie Mullins
Racing Post Rating 162h

Did remarkably well to win the 2018 Stayers’ Hurdle after a long injury layoff, showing a terrific turn of foot in a slowly run race, but remains fragile having then missed last season as well; also won at Cheltenham in 2017 but has twice failed to follow up at Punchestown.

Verdict: fragility makes him risky

Penhill (left) has a fine turn of foot but is fragileCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Pentland Hills (IRE)
Four-year-old gelding
111-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 148h

Unbeaten hurdler who won all three runs in just six weeks last season, including the Triumph Hurdle; didn’t get enough credit for that win (perhaps due to modest Flat form, though had won two of last three) and proved point by following up when only third favourite at Aintree.

Verdict: second-season 4yo often struggle

Petit Mouchoir (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
304-442
Henry de Bromhead
Racing Post Rating 165h

Dual Grade 1 winner in 2016-17, including the Irish Champion Hurdle, but couldn’t quite match that level in top 2m hurdles last season and twice disappointed when tried over further; fine effort on return when runner-up to Saldier in Grade 1 Morgiana Hurdle (2m) at Punchestown in November.

Verdict: not won for two years

Pic D’Orhy (FR)
Four-year-old gelding
1U220-F
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 138 hurdle

Faded in Triumph Hurdle on British debut following rushed preparation; among leading juvenile hurdlers in France last year and returned to Auteuil on reappearance when falling in Grade 1 Champion Hurdle for four-year-olds; reportedly stays over hurdles.

Verdict: big player soft-ground hurdles 2m-2m4f

Pingshou (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
50-122F
Colin Tizzard
Racing Post Rating 144c

Grade 1 winner as a novice hurdler in 2017 before spending a season on the sidelines through injury; highly tried when returning as a novice chaser last season; has found his niche summer jumping, posting three useful efforts on quick ground; held when fell latest.

Verdict: unlikely to be Graded level

Poker Party (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
211-3U1
Henry de Bromhead
Racing Post Rating 147c

Stepped up on progressive form as a novice when landing valuable Kerry National at Listowel in September; up a further 8lb (has now risen 30lb in last year) but may have further improvement in him.

Verdict: a player in big staying handicaps

Politologue (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
14422-2
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 173c

High-class from 2m to 2m5f; good first-time-out record but was pipped by Defi Du Seuil in Grade 2 Shloer Chase at Cheltenham on return in November; unable to add to Grade 1 tally last term (had previously won the Tingle Creek and Melling) but came close to a big upset when second to Altior in the Champion Chase; didn’t stay 3m in the King George and bled when second in the Melling; since had breathing operation.

Verdict: fruitful season in 2m G1 chases

Posh Trish (IRE)
Six-year-old mare
21118-3
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 135c

Smart mare who won four of her first five over hurdles, including two Listed mares’ novice races at Newbury and Taunton; below her best when only eighth in the mares’ novice at the Cheltenham Festival; faced stiff task on chasing debut in hot Chepstow Listed event and shaped as if needing the run; sure to improve.

Verdict: should win mares’ novice chases

Potters Corner (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
FF1-5P0
Christian Williams
Racing Post Rating 144c

Richly deserving winner of last season’s Midlands National at Uttoxeter having fallen when in contention in the Somerset National and Eider Chase previously; thorough stayer who relished heavy ground that day but also acts on good; pulled up over hurdles on return from break.

Verdict: win another slog in the mud

Prabeni
Four-year-old gelding
1092-46
Charlie Mann
Racing Post Rating 121h

Looked like developing into useful juvenile hurdler when winning poorly contested Triumph Trial at Huntingdon but later struggled in good-quality handicaps; drop in grade might spark revival.

Verdict: not really progressing with racing

Precious Cargo (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
120/116-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 138h

Won first two races over hurdles last season but only sixth of seven when stepped up to Grade 1 level at Aintree (sent off just 4-1); described as “just messing about” over hurdles by his trainer, who thinks he could be a Cheltenham Festival horse as a novice chaser.

Verdict: likely improver over fences

Presenting Percy
Eight-year-old gelding
1121/18-
Pat Kelly (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 172c

Brilliant winner of the RSA Chase in 2018 (second Cheltenham Festival victory); Gold Cup favourite throughout last season but given a unique preparation as connections avoided quick ground (had sole prep run over hurdles) and only eighth at Cheltenham when found to be lame.

Verdict: ground preference limits opportunities

Present Man (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
3/184P-P
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 155c

Rain-softened ground against him in bid to win Badger Beers Chase for third year running in November; middle part of season can be anti-climax as he doesn’t act on soft or heavy; given wind surgery after a couple of disappointing subsequent efforts last term but did no better when pulled up in the bet365 Gold Cup.

Verdict: early form often tails off

Put The Kettle On (IRE)
Five-year-old mare
111121
Henry de Bromhead
Racing Post Rating 142c

Talented mare who took tally over fences to 4-5 when beating more fancied rivals in Cheltenham’s Grade 2 Arkle trial (2m) in November (was receiving 10lb from runner-up Al Dancer); equally effective over 2m4f; likely to be classier Arkle contenders come the spring.

Verdict: may be harder to place from now on

Pym (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
2210-21
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 138c

Well regarded, but solid rather than spectacular form in novice hurdles last season and never looked like hitting the heights; runner-up in Grade 2 at Cheltenham in November but unplaced in handicap at the festival; shaped with promise on chasing debut in well-contested novice event at Huntingdon and followed up with win in novices' handicap chase at Ascot (3m).

Verdict: may improve now gone chasing

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